Here you will learn How to Start a Newborn Photography Business. Learning how to become a newborn photographer is different than being a business owner! Having a business plan will help you get your business going in the right direction from the beginning. Learn through these newborn photography tips for beginners!
If you are interested in starting a newborn photography business then you are in the right spot at the right time Guest blogger Rebecca Meyer is sharing it all and we say THANK YOU!
So you’ve decided to start a newborn photography business. Those little babies smell so good! Here are a few steps to get you started in the right direction. Many of these tips will not happen over-night…rather all good things take time…so use this as a guide to help you get started in the right direction for a newborn photography business.
How to Start a Newborn Photography Business
1. Newborn Posing Safety tips
Perhaps you follow a newborn photographer that you love and would like to try similar posing techniques. It’s very important to understand how these professionals are achieving their photos. Youtube has a heap of knowledge and tutorials on specific posing techniques and keeping babies safe – do not undervalue this educational step! Some photographers also offer posing classes and very valuable safety tips!
Safety Tip #1: Always be conscious of baby’s airway. Allowing baby’s head to fall too far forward has the potential to cut off their airway. Always be aware of their breathing and comfort.
Safety Tip #2: Become infant CPR certified. Not only will this help you feel confident and comfortable handling the little bundle, it will also help the parents in their search for finding the right photographer for their needs.
Safety Tip #3: Follow the cues of baby. Baby will let you know if something isn’t comfortable. Do not try to force them into any pose. Fresh babies have recently experienced the taxing journey into coming into the world via the birth canal. They sometimes have even experienced traumatic positions that leave them sensitive in areas such as their neck or shoulders. For example, when a baby gets very fussy on his tummy, (despite being well fed, burped and very sleepy) there could be an indication of some kind of birth injury, small or large. Always listen to their cues and explain to the parents during the session if you weren’t able to get tummy shots and they will always be grateful of you listening to their baby.
Safety Tip #4: Remain in reach of baby. Never leave baby unattended. Having an assistant helps, but usually the mothers like to be close and can help you spot the baby, should you need to adjust backdrops or briefly go out of reach for some reason. Always keeps your hands on the baby, until it is time to take the shot.
2. Get legal: First things first, you should definitely look into your state laws regarding taxes and business licenses. Texas state law, for example, requires that photographers pay sales tax quarterly, regardless if the sale is from a session fee or from print products. Just get legal. It’s easy and will give you piece of mind.
3. Costs of doing business and pricing: You don’t need to be a business major to make good business decisions! Map out all of your costs of doing business. Mileage, Gas, Website Hosting Fees, Phone Service, everything. You will not be able to follow the next step in creating your pricing without first budgeting your business expenses. Once you are confident that you know exactly how much money you will putting into your new business, monthly, you are ready to plan out your pricing for photo sessions.
GUEST BLOGGER: WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK Rebecca Meyer is a Maternity, Newborn and Family photographer based in Austin, TX. She very quickly turned her photography business from a side hobby to a successful business, specializing in inner personal sales (IPS) and creating a full service photography experience for her clients. Almost 3 years ago, Rebecca signed up for the Beginners Sixth Bloom classes that Erin provides and with the help of the course, became very confident in her ability to master her camera in manual mode. She maintains a home studio, while caring for her 3 year old, who is in daycare 3 days per week.
Betty Vanover says
Thank you for sharing the things to know if you want to start a newborn photography business.
Taylor Bishop says
I wanted to thank you for this advice for having a newborn photography business. I’m glad you mentioned that you should never leave the baby unattended and to have an assistant if necessary. This also seems really important especially if you need to make any adjustments to the photography set but you don’t know how long that could take.
Mette says
Thank you for sharing these truly inspiring advices!